September 11, 2013 - In 2001, the terrorists slaughtered nearly 3,000 innocents simply because they were Americans – holders of the sacred flame of liberty.

Osama Bin Ladin specifically stated that America is "the worst civilization witnessed by the history of mankind," it was the duty of his followers to murder Americans and that his disciples "do not have to differentiate between military or civilian. As far as we are concerned, they are all targets."

A decade later, it is still fitting to ask, why did we engender such fanatical hatred? The answer is so obvious, it has almost become trite: Americans hold the torch of liberty, illuminating freedom for the world.

We are such a beacon, not because of our gross domestic product, entertainment, culture or fashion – it is because of the "why" we exist at all. Unlike any other country in world history, America is defined by the First Principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence and embedded in our Constitution: the rule of law, unalienable rights, equality, the Social Compact, limited government and the right to alter or abolish an oppressive government. Al-Qaeda wages war with us because it despises those First Principles.

The fight over America's future, however, wages on more than front. We have the military might to win the battle against the terrorists, but there is an all but invisible war being fought in our own society. A host of studies reveal that our K-12 school students, college graduates and the general public are too ignorant of our Constitution, civics and history to maintain our liberties. As a nation of free citizens, we are responsible for ensuring that our republic survives. We have a solemn obligation to protect the Constitution today and to ensure that our children and grandchildren can and will do the same. We are falling far short. And if we fail, the terrorists win by default.

However, we have the capacity to preserve our freedom - if we make it priority. There are many ways to address the crisis, but one very powerful method often overlooked is reviving the civic calendar.

Many of our current holidays have become overly commercialized or have lost their deeper meaning. Yet those celebrations were vital to remembering our roots and to replenishing the energy needed to maintain a free republic. With the old holidays all but discarded, we need to invigorate our appreciation and understanding of America's spirit through newer celebrations such as Patriot Week.

This is why, in 2009, my then 10-year old daughter Leah demanded that we act and we co-created Patriot Week. The hunger for renewing the spirit of America is palpable. This simple idea has taken strong root in Michigan and across the country. Michigan Senate and House resolutions have unanimously passed and bills to permanently recognize the week are pending final approval.

Anchored by the key dates of September 11 (the anniversary of the terror attacks) and September 17 (Constitution Day, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution), Patriot Week renews the spirit of America by celebrating the First Principles, Founding Fathers and other Patriots, vital documents and speeches and flags that make America the greatest nation in world history.

For example, Patriot Week highlights our rich set of Founding Fathers and other great Patriots who made those First Principles come alive, such as Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, George Washington, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr.

Patriot Week is very much a grassroots effort, and participants include K-12 schools, rotaries, courts, senior living communities, community organizations, colleges, libraries, war heroes, elected officials and others. Activities range from community panel discussions, lesson plans, movies, book discussions, commemorations, graveside ceremonies, picnics, home celebrations and others.

Locally, Patriot Week is involved in a 5k Race, Patriot Palooza!, Patriot Picnics, author tour, service day project, panel discussions, school visits and lessons, a Detroit Symphony Orchestra performance, a Tigers Game, history lectures, Rotary and Kiwanis meetings and many other activities.

Although Patriot Week is only one element needed to keep our republic alive, it is vital to renewing our faith and understanding of America. In the long-term, Patriot Week will only succeed if it is embraced, spread and kept alive by the public. Participate in Patriot Week this year and you can learn more (and begin preparations for next year) by visiting www.PatriotWeek.org or the Patriot Week Facebook page or Twitter Account (@PatriotWeek).